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Corbett is proposing a $231,000 increase for libraries in the state budget, which would take funding levels to $61.3 million. The increase is driven by a $500,000 jump for public library subsidies. Other funding, such as library access programs and funding for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, actually decreases under the budget proposal.

It’s the first time since 2007 that a Pennsylvania governor has proposed an overall increase.

Libraries in the state are hurting because funding has been cut or remained stagnant for several years but capital costs, inflation and materials needs increase.

Centre County Library officials last year moved to close the East Penns Valley Area branch in Millheim due to budgetary concerns. A group of residents in Millheim have reopened the facility as an independent community library.